Indian Ambassador to South Korea Amit Kumar delivered a speech at the 10th International Yoga Day in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on Saturday. (Embassy of India in Seoul)
The Indian Embassy in Seoul celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga on Saturday.
The United Nations General Assembly, with the support of 175 member states, designated June 21 as International Day of Yoga in 2014 through Resolution 69/131.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” highlighted the dual benefits of yoga for individual well-being and community harmony.
“Yoga, an ancient Indian tradition, transcends geographical, cultural and time boundaries and has impacted the lives of millions of people across the world, testifying to its timeless wisdom and importance,” Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar said in his speech at the event.
Participants practice yoga during the International Yoga Day organised by the Indian Embassy in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on Saturday. (Indian Embassy)
According to the embassy, yoga dates back about 3,000 years and its principles were compiled by Hindu sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras around 200 BC.
Known as the father of modern yoga, Patanjali wrote the Yoga Sutras, a collection of Sanskrit aphorisms on the theory and practice of ancient yoga.
“Practicing yoga regularly improves your flexibility, strength and balance. It also builds self-awareness and emotional resilience,” Kumar explained.
A man in his 30s who participated in yoga for the first time in his life said, “I learned and gained a lot from participating. I want to work harder.”
Participants practice yoga during the International Yoga Day organised by the Indian Embassy in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on Saturday. (Indian Embassy)
The event featured yoga demonstrations and meditation sessions led by instructors.
“Doing yoga outdoors seemed to lift everyone’s spirits and let everyone have a good time,” said a yoga practitioner in her 20s.
“Despite the rain, practicing yoga outdoors, touching the grass and doing surya namaskar has given me a shift in my mind,” said another practitioner.
Experts say yoga practitioners usually choose a particular form or technique based on their personal preference and are motivated to practice yoga every day.
Participants practice yoga during the International Yoga Day organised by the Indian Embassy in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on Saturday. (Indian Embassy)
Local yoga organizations set up around 30 booths to provide participants with resources on yoga practice, the embassy said in a press release on Monday.
The Embassy’s booth showcased yoga as a bridge between Indian and Korean cultures and how the practice of yoga is a force for unity.
Earlier this month, the embassy organized events across South Korea, including on Nami Island, Jeju Island, Seoul, Miryang and Busan, as part of International Yoga Day celebrations.
